Radiology Today
3dMD, a pioneer in 3-D technology for healthcare, today launched its 3dMDtorso System, the first 3-dimensional torso imager, for the upcoming Aesthetic Meeting 2001 being hosted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation in New York (May 3-9, 2001).
The 3dMDtorso System will function as a tool for plastic surgeons helping them to communicate visually in a 3-dimensional environment with breast cancer survivors, women with asymmetrical breasts, men with gynecomastia and women deciding on whether cosmetic surgery is right for them. In addition, the 3dMDtorso System device will, for the first time ever, provide the plastic surgeon with surface and volume measurement data needed for the actual cosmetic and/or reconstructive breast procedure.
“With current breast surgery consultations, plastic surgeons ask patients to provide them with photos of what they want, measure their breasts with a tape measure and make educated judgments with their eyes, hands and experience,” stated a New York-based plastic surgeon. “Now with 3dMD 3D torso imager, plastic surgeons are able to give women a better understanding of how their bodies look and could possibly look post-surgery, educating them about their procedure in a way never before possible.”
A non-invasive device, the 3dMDtorso System is designed to project a random light pattern on the patient and capture her or him with precisely synchronized digital cameras set at various angles in an optimum configuration. The 3D surface geometry and surface texture of the patient are acquired almost simultaneously and through sophisticated mathematical calculations a medically accurate image is obtained digitally in 3-dimensions. 3dMD’s breast analysis software then utilizes the patient’s 3D data set to help the physician 1) communicate outcome possibilities to the patient by morphing the breast size to view the effects of enlargement or reduction and 2) make better decisions by providing breast surface and volume measurement.
“As a doctor, I want to do everything I can for my patients. With 3dMD’s new technology, I am able to offer my patients the advantages of a 3-dimensional image that not only helps me communicate visually with patients, but gives me the pre-operative tools I need to measure surface distance and assess breast volume,” stated Dr. Ronald Downs, an Indiana-based plastic surgeon.
“Our 3D image capture device represents the future of healthcare, where all patients will have a 3-D representation of themselves in their electronic patient record,” says Chris Lane, CEO of 3dMD. “Our 3- surface image, when registered with other 3D images such as CAT Scan, MRI and PET, could provide physicians with the most comprehensive 3D image available. This will be invaluable for diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the ability exists for examining the patient from the outside in using a digital, measurable and electronically transmittable technology.”
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